This bill revises the definition of "victim" under the "Crime Victim's Bill of Rights." Specifically, the bill changes the definition of "victim" to correspond with the definition of "victim" in the Victim's Rights Amendment under paragraph 22 of Article 1 of the New Jersey Constitution. The bill also revises this definition of "victim" to include a domestic partner or civil union partner. Under the bill, domestic partners and civil union partners would be entitled to protections under the Crime Victim's Bill of Rights and to receive compensation under the "Criminal Injuries Compensation Act of 1971," P.L.1971, c.317 (C.52:4B-1 et seq.). According to the sponsor, the current practice of excluding domestic and civil union partners from these protections and benefits is unfair to the survivor and contrary to the intentions of the victim.

Bill Subjects:

2nd Reading in the Assembly, 2nd Reading in the Senate, Bills and Joint Resolutions Signed by the Governor, Law and Public Safety, Passed both Houses, Passed Senate